Alvin, TX Pest Control

Alvin, Texas experiences hot temperatures during much of the year. At the same time, the weather often becomes rainy or humid. This climate permits a variety of insects to thrive. The city's proximity to major highways, airports and seaports also makes it especially vulnerable to invasive pests. Cargo trucks and vacationers sometimes introduce new species to the area. Fire ants, ticks and rodents rank among Alvin's top pests.

Fire Ants

These energetic insects measure up to one-quarter inch long. They deliver potent stings that have the power to kill small animals. Fire ant activity usually increases during April. The bugs construct numerous large mounds while attacking anyone who disturbs them. They face few predators and even have the ability to survive most floods.

Fire ants don't only inflict pain. They cause serious electrical problems for homeowners, businesses, local governments and airports. These insects may trigger short circuits if they enter an air conditioning unit or junction box. The ants also create fire hazards by chewing through the insulation on various cables.

Ticks

Unlike insects, ticks have eight legs and no antennae. These vampire-like arachnids feed on humans, deer, dogs, cats and farm animals. Their bites transmit an assortment of illnesses. Tiny black-legged ticks spread babesiosis and Lyme disease, but they remain rare in Texas. As its name suggests, the Lone Star tick is far more common. This pest has white spots and carries four different diseases.

Brown dog ticks occasionally infiltrate the homes of pet owners in Brazoria County. They prefer to feed on animals rather than humans. This arachnid can infect dogs with ehrlichiosis. Another species is known as the Gulf Coast tick. It targets farm animals and causes numerous health problems. Affected livestock may suffer from infections, fatigue or inflammation.

Rodents

These small, furry animals cause considerable damage and spread a variety of diseases. They transmit salmonella, rat mite dermatitis, infectious jaundice and typhus fever. Rodents incessantly gnaw on many different materials. This can result in damage to hoses, engines, wiring, furniture and plastic containers. Some of these creatures even chew through cement.

In southeastern Texas, one common species is the roof rat. It measures up to 1.5 feet long and weighs around eight ounces. Unlike Norway rats, these rodents don't mind crowds. Over 100 roof rats can coexist in a single building. They begin mating after only three months and produce litters at least three times per year.

Norway rats weigh somewhat more and tend to have longer bodies. Gray and white fur makes them easy to identify. These rodents don't climb as proficiently as roof rats; they prefer to live in burrows. A female rat gives birth to about eight pups every two to three months. This rapid reproductive cycle helps Norway rats swiftly infest huge buildings.

House mice seldom live as long as rats, but they procreate even quicker. These fast-moving mammals grow approximately six or seven inches long if you measure the entire body and tail. They appear somewhat cute and don't inflict as much harm as bigger rodents. Nonetheless, house mice frequently contaminate food, spread viruses and create foul odors when they die inside of walls.

If any of these creatures have infested your Texas home or business, the experts at Alvin Pest Control can help. Our skillful technicians know how to banish rodents, ants, fleas, cockroaches, ticks and many other pests. Please contact our office by calling 281-331-0126 on any weekday. We serve Galveston, Seabrook, Alvin, Friendswood and several neighboring cities.